Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Chesapeake is 12% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,523/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 7%
$94,189/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 4%
$359,100 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 31%
$1,680/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ≈ Same
251,153
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
6.4%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $109/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $1,308/year.

Median household income is $4,151/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Chesapeake slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Charleston — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Charleston?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $109/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Charleston?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $4,151/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and South Carolina?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Charleston details →

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